[Mrs Meldrew]

Hi all,

completely new to reptiles so any advise at all will be gratefully received. Thanx.

Have promised my son a much wanted lizard as a christmas pressie (- don't panic, this family believes that all animals are for life)

I've done quite a bit of research and found a local vet who specialises in exotics, think that a beardie will be the best type for us as beginners. Views please????? Reqire a lizard which is quite happy to be handled frequently.

Interested to know if beardies are best kept on their own or as a pair? (ie. 2 x females) - not interested in breeding.

Am I best to buy a viv that fits the lizard(s) at which ever size I purchase them at, or am I best off getting the largest size poss.and letting them grow into it?

Having youngish children am I best off getting beardies as babies so that they grow up used to the kids handling them?


Janine.

Anyone from P'boro area?

 

[Neonius]

yes beardie is probably your best bet for a handable lizard. they are naturally tame and most will let you hold them, even the skittish ones will warm to their owners with time.

(remember all animals in a species can be vicious or horrible, just like my gerbil but beardies do tend to be very handable lizards)

although beardies can live together, it depends on their sex, and say if you got a pair of relatively young beardies, and you thought one was male and one was female, what if when they are older, you suddenly find out that the female is a male for example. They would have to be seperated, adding a bill for another viv, otherwise they will fight

If i were you, i would buy just a single beardie, male or female so you can solely concentrate on him/her. Plus it will be easier on the cash.

baby beardies tend to be a bit more skittish and likely to run fast and jump around, generally because they are small and although still naturally tame, not as used to people as an older beardie would be.

Best bet would be to buy a 7-12month old beardie, that way they are a bit bigger and liely to be less skittish, but they will be young enough to bond with you and your family.

Hope that helps



8) Neo